Jackson, Grand Rapids join Age-Friendly Cities Network

The Jackson City Council voted unanimously Tuesday for a resolution to engage in the AARP/World Health Organization Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Network.

AARP Michigan worked with Mayor Derek Dobies and the Council to adopt the resolution, which states that joining the network “is one of the most effective policy approaches for responding to demographic aging.”

The Grand Rapids City Council has also unanimously approved a resolution to make  their city an Age Friendly Community.  On Tuesday, the Mayor’s Advisory council met for the first time to move the project forward.  Members of the Council include Jennifer Feuerstein, AARP Michigan Associate State Director, and Pat Ward, AARP Volunteer.

The Jackson resolution acknowledges that the older adult population is expected to grow substantially in Jackson and across the nation. The U.S. 65-and-over population, which was 35 million in 2000, is projected to grow to 88.5 million by 2050.

Research shows that older Americans prefer to remain in their own homes and communities as they age, the resolution notes.

Joining the Age-Friendly Network means taking steps toward improving access to quality health care and long-term services and supports, as well as:

• Access to outdoor spaces and buildings;
• Safe and affordable public and private transportation;
• Housing options for older residents;
• Access to cultural activities and civic engagement;
• Programs to support and promote ethnic and cultural diversity;
• Promotion of paid work and volunteer opportunities; and
• Access to technology.

For more information on livable communities, visit: www.aarp.org/livable-communities/